I’m an expert mechanic – avoid this common mistake when driving and it could save you hundreds in fuel bills
AN EXPERT mechanic has revealed a common driving mistake – and avoiding it could save you hundreds in fuel bills.
With the cost of living crisis in full swing, drivers are looking for tips and tricks to save their hard-earned cash wherever they can.
Handily, an expert mechanic has taken to TikTok to reveal that using the air conditioning system in your car will actually increase the amount of fuel you’re using – although there are still ways to increase overall economy.
The expert mechanic said: “Yes it (air conditioning) takes up extra fuel because it’s another drive off one of your motors.
“If you are not running it, it’s less strain on the engine, so it saves fuel.”
But users are not too convinced.
One said: “Worth the small cost for the comfort.”
Another said: “If you don’t use it from time to time, the air conditioning seals will dry out …. Big repair bills.”
Despite many believing this is a common misconception, air con does, in fact, increase your car’s fuel consumption.
Research has found that by using your air conditioning to control the temperature of your motor, you can increase the amount of fuel you use by around 8-10%.
But, there are various methods to help save you money at the pumps.
When you first set off on a journey, it’s better to open the windows for a few minutes.
Doing so will remove the majority of the hot air in the cabin, and therefore your air conditioning won’t need to work quite as hard.
Leave your windows down when driving at slower speeds instead of turning on the AC switch.
But if you’re driving on fast roads, it is more beneficial to use the air con as the additional drag caused by the open windows could use additional fuel.
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